Online petition against ‘addiction bill’ gains more than 300,000 votes

The Korea Internet Digital Entertainment Association’s online petition against the so-called “addiction bill” saw more than 300,000 votes as of Sunday.

According to K-IDEA, the online petition that launched on Oct. 28 against the proposed act, which classifies Internet games as addictive, has gained 300,978 votes.

The poll is operated jointly by major domestic gaming corporations including Nexon, NCsoft, NHN Entertainment and CJ E&M Netmarble.

“The opposition movement in every corner, even among a number of lawmakers, has postponed its legislative session,” said Kim Sung-gon, chief secretary at K-IDEA.

Since proposed by Saenuri Party Rep. Shin Yee-jin in April 2013, the act has faced strong opposition nationwide. If the act passes, Internet games would be regulated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare along with alcohol, drugs and gambling.

By Sung Jin-woo, Intern reporter
(jinwoo0120@heraldcorp.com)